2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SLR MCLAREN ROADSTER — 617 HP RWD

2008 Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadster - 2
2

Technical Specifications

Category Specification
Vehicle Type Open-top grand tourer / supercar
Engine M155 5.4L supercharged V8
Displacement 5,439 cc
Valvetrain 24 valves
Induction Twin-screw supercharger with dual charge-air coolers
Lubrication Dry-sump system
Maximum Power 617 hp (626 PS / 460 kW) at 6,500 rpm
Maximum Torque 575 lb-ft (780 Nm) from 3,250 to 5,000 rpm
Transmission 5-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT R automatic
Manual Shift Modes 3 modes
Drive Layout Front-mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
0–60 mph 3.6 seconds
0–100 km/h 3.8 seconds
Top Speed 206 mph (332 km/h)
Chassis Construction Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic monocoque
Braking System Carbon-ceramic discs with Sensotronic Brake Control
Aerodynamics Electronically managed active rear airbrake and six-channel rear diffuser
Roof Semi-automatic fabric soft top
Roof Operation Time Approximately 10 seconds

Powertrain Analysis

The M155 powerplant is a 5,439 cc, front-mid-mounted V8 with 24 valves, dry-sump lubrication, and a twin-screw supercharger. Dual charge-air coolers support an output of 617 hp, equivalent to 626 PS or 460 kW, at 6,500 rpm.

Peak torque is rated at 575 lb-ft, equivalent to 780 Nm, across a 3,250–5,000 rpm operating range. The engine installation places the V8 behind the front axle within a front-mid-engine layout.

A 5-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT R automatic transmission transfers power to the rear wheels. The transmission includes three manual shifting modes, while the rear-wheel-drive configuration supports the 3.6-second 0–60 mph and 3.8-second 0–100 km/h acceleration figures.

Chassis & Dynamics

The chassis uses a Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic monocoque with CFRP body panels. The composite construction combines the convertible body structure with a carbon-fiber passenger cell and carbon-fiber exterior architecture.

Stopping hardware consists of carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic brake discs managed by the Sensotronic Brake Control system. Carbon-ceramic disc construction provides high thermal resistance during repeated high-load braking events.

The rear trunk lid integrates an electronically managed active airbrake that deploys during heavy braking. A flat carbon-fiber underfloor directs airflow toward a functional six-channel rear diffuser, while side-exit exhaust outlets are positioned in the front fenders.

Roof & Cockpit Configuration

The semi-automatic fabric soft top folds in approximately 10 seconds. The roof uses acoustic materials intended to reduce cabin noise at high vehicle speeds.

The cockpit includes carbon-fiber sports bucket seats trimmed in Silver Arrow leather, an aluminum center console, and a push-button starter positioned beneath a flip cover on the gearshift lever. Swing-wing butterfly doors pivot forward and upward through hinges engineered for the roadster body structure.

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